12 Lingerie Looks We Dare You To Try

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If you’re looking to explore your kinky side — or, even if you’ve been exploring for a while and just need some fresh inspiration — this one's for you.

From Helmut Newton’s latex-clad women to Mapplethorpe’s [link NSFW] more visceral depictions of S&M, a fascination with fetish wear has long been noticeable and present in our culture. And, in fashion, thanks to the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier (alongside Madonna), as well as Givenchy, Balmain, Louis Vuitton, and more, we've seen these strains echoed time and again. And then, of course, there is the legacy of Lee McQueen, who engaged with fetish wear on the runway in a variety of ways — most memorably, masks that obscured models’ faces, leather harnesses and buckles, and shoes that distorted the foot.

Today, those cultural influences extend even further into the mainstream, making it a very exciting time for modern lingerie, with many innovative brands blurring the lines between traditionally sexy underwear and the harder edge of fetish wear.

One of our favorites, Zana Bane has been creating leather goods that toe the line between bondage wear and ready-to-wear since 2010. And, in 2011 designer Dani Read debuted FYI, a line of “luxury lingerie that’s not for the faint at heart.” The line features a pair of underwear with long, silk ties sewn onto the back — just in case your evening finds you in need of some impromptu bondage.

So, for those who dare, and we present 12 lingerie looks to help any woman begin (or extend) her fetish-wear collection. (Warning: A few of the images ahead are mildly NSFW.)

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